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And a Jubilee it WAS !!
Thanks to Rick and Sherry bringing P/19 Sherry Lynne, their fun
friends, John and Debbie, and for Jim Beneteau for bringing his
P/15, we DID sail together for a bit, before heading out to Coupeville,
I'm sending pics to Derek to post.
And thanks for Larry Bishop and Bill McClure for coming without
their boats, but to grace us with their presence even for a short
time.
Friday the weather had turned around, and Sherry Lynne and SeaHorse
set sail in a very gentle breeze across the harbor to the Mi Pueblo
mexican restaurant, where we had a delicious dinner and fabulous
conversation, really enjoying getting to know each other because
the group was small enough with just four of us to really learn
about each other. After dinner we came out to sail home under a
salmon/pink sunset sky and city lights reflecting across the water.
Chilly as could be, but lovely.
Saturday morning late, we were delighted to see Jim Beneteau pull
in and launch his P-15, and we all went sailing in the harbor and
channel. When we went back to the marina to pick up Sherry Lynne's
passengers, and then headed back out, the wind had decreased significantly,
and the going was slow. In fact, Sherry Lynne and SeaHorse discovered
that though they were making a couple knotts of progress in the
water, they were going absolutely nowhere, as the current of the
flooding tide was a couple knotts, so the channel markers were just
sitting still. Well, THAT's no fun when your tummy is rumbling for
lunch and Coupeville is an hour or two away. So we both motored
a bit to get out of the narrowest part of the channel so we could
make way against the lesser current and ride the current into Penn
Cove toward Coupeville. Jim came part way out but didn't want to
motor, so he turned back, which we were sad to see. By the time
we got to the wharf in Coupeville, it was blowing a mini gale and
we got to the dock happy to be there. We all walked around and enjoyed
Coupeville on our own, got lunch, and headed back. SeaHorse left
first, but then turned back as a pair of sunglasses were forgotten.
Sherry Lynne was then well under way by the time SeaHorse headed
out again. Michele, being an avid racer, tuned her boat to every
shift and every gust, gleefully caught up and passed Sherry Lynne,
and triumphantly entered Oak Harbor Marina in the lead. Sherry Lynne,
on the other hand, was intentionally just ambling, or pottering,
as they say in England, ; ) and didn't give a rip how fast or slow
they were going at any given moment. So both skippers and their
crews enjoyed their own sail in their own way, both had a great
time and enjoyed some one and two foot waves off their quarter on
the way home, surfing is always fun, and then a lovely reach on
the way up the channel. Both sailed into their docks and tied up
for the evening. At this point Bill McClure followed Jim's lead
and headed home to tend other responsibilities, and after giving
Sherry Lynne's crew time to eat, Michele joined Rick, Sherry, John
and Debbie and another local who dropped in, for an indescribably
delightful time crowded into their cockpit, with bimini and tarp
blocking the cold wind, a warm heater keeping us toasty and comfy,
an electric guitar with a mini amp and an acoustic guitar (if that's
what you call a normal one), and all their wonderful singing voices...
it was the worlds tiniest private concert, and it was AWESOME. WOW.
The music wafted across the still water as the wind had died and
the water became glassy... until eleven thirty we had our music
fest.
Sunday morning brought us a light rain, but it was okay because
all four of us went to Michele's church and enjoyed that group activity
too!
Then Michele went her own way, while Sherry Lynne had a new set
of guests come for a visit, and they they too, went their way.
As one of the tiniest Potter meets ever recorded, it was every bit
as wonderful, and from my perspective, it was wonderful because
of the great company and special treat of their music. But the sailing
was great too. And I think we all had sunburns.
To those who did not come because I scared them off with my weather
reports, I sincerely apologize, but it was important to me that
y'all were aware that it was looking nasty and I didn't want anyone
coming without knowing it might not be that great.
After the weather change at BADAAA, and then our weekend here, I
think I will try to never again worry about what the weather looks
like for a potter weekend, and aside from respecting the wind force
and making wise decisions at the time, it looks like it's ALWAYS
worth it to show up regardless.
See you all at the next meet, and thanks again to my guests for
the weekend.
Michele Sladko, Oak Harbor
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